...is another man's treasure.

Over the years I have grown to love photography more and more everyday. There is something so special about creating art out of another person's emotions. This journey has not been easy and I didn't do much to make it easier on myself to be honest. I recently graduated from Des Moines Area Community College, my degree has NOTHING to do with photography or the arts. I went to be a Paralegal. Now don't get me wrong, I still very much want to pursue that passion although in this moment in time, my heart is set on helping others make memories that will last a lifetime. In my time at DMACC I didn't take one photography class, no photoshop, nada. But I have put my heart and soul into my work and I am very much self taught. I have watched hours of YouTube videos, tutorials, read blog posts, you name it. I have spent days dragging my kids places to test lighting, only to give them photographer's child syndrome (other photogs you can relate) and I have done lots of work. Free work, cheap work, loooong hours of work to get to where I am today. And I'm proud to say I'm finally happy. I'm growing and expanding and learning still and I won't stop because I really am passionate about what I am doing.

With all that being said! I wanted to share about my first styled shoot...

Having friends in your place of employment is great, they are the people who you know everything about, you laugh with, you confide in, you spend a majority of your days hanging with them right? Now imagine working from home or being an entrepreneur. A lot of times it can get really lonely. A great deal of time sitting in front of your computer, exhausted from late night editing sessions and totally alone. Some days have been rough, but all days I'm still thankful. Friends in the photography industry is not something I have a lot of yet. I have always been so insecure about myself and doubted my work to the point of not even wanting to do sessions for a while. But recently I have learned networking will take you so far in an industry like this.

Not too long ago, I met up with a fellow photographer and friend, Tim Laielli. An amazingly talented role model that I have watched grow his business in just a few short years. He is super creative and amazing at what he does. Tim along with Event Coordinator Hailey Cooper of HM Events set up a romantic candle lit junk yard shoot....yes you read that right. JUNK YARD and it was great! Our models were a real couple and they made our job so easy, it was magical. Hailey's set up included other vendors as well including, Tulipsisfloral and their beautiful flower arraignments, stunning make up done by Breiyna Reed, the prettiest hair by Kaitlyn Allen, attire from the Purple Poppy Boutique, and some cider donated by Winterset Cidery! It all came together beautifully and it was a hit! Don't take my word for it though, check out my work as well as all other vendors involved, I'm still swooning.

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@akayephoto.xo